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British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Officers Sabre by JJ Runkel of Solingen
£2,000.00
A truly rare and magnificent British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Officers Sabre, with Blue & Gilt blade by JJ Runkel of Solingen. The single edged fullered blade has the monogram and royal coat of arms of King George III and retains virtually all of the original blue and gilt decoration. The steel stirrup hilt with facetted backstrap, eared and riveted to the leather covered grip, which retains its original triple silver wire binding.The steel scabbard with twin suspension rings has one minor dent. This sword would be the finest of any Napoleonic era collection.
P&P is extra.
Availability:
In stock
SKU
CX634198922
The British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Officer's Sabre is a highly collectible and historically significant weapon, prized for its unique design and the influence it had on later sabre styles. Here are some key aspects of this sabre, particularly if it has a blue and gilt blade by JJ Runkel of Solingen:
Overview of the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre
Adopted: The 1796 pattern sabre was introduced to British light cavalry units in the same year, becoming known for its cutting power and distinct curve, which suited the close combat style of light cavalry.
Design: This sabre features a distinctively curved, single-edged blade designed primarily for slashing. The hilt often has a simple knuckle guard and a wooden grip, sometimes wrapped in leather or bound with wire.
Inspiration: The 1796 sabre was designed based on Eastern European and Middle Eastern blades, meant to increase cutting efficiency on horseback.
The Blade: Blue & Gilt Finish by JJ Runkel of Solingen
Manufacturer: JJ Runkel of Solingen was a prominent German sword maker whose blades were widely imported to Britain due to their excellent quality. Solingen, known as the "City of Blades," has a longstanding reputation for fine sword and knife production.
Blue & Gilt Decoration: This decoration involves a specific process where parts of the blade were "blued" (a process of controlled oxidation) to give a rich, deep blue finish, while other sections were gilded (decorated with gold leaf or gold paint). This type of decoration was both a mark of quality and an indicator of the owner's status, as it was expensive to produce.
Etching and Inscription: These blades often feature intricate etching along the blued sections, with military or patriotic motifs, often including symbols of the British monarchy, the unit, or floral patterns.